Dimapur, January 12 (MExN): A brain storming session and panel discussion on “Strategies for Propagation and Augmenting Productivity of Mithun in NEH Region” was held at National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR), Medziphema, which was inaugarated by Dr. Chumbun Murry, Minister of Agriculture as chief guest today, January 12.
A press note received here stated that B. Thowang, secretary, Vety. & A. H and Dr. B. S. Prakash, asstt director general (AN& P), ICAR, New Delhi were present at the programme as guests of honour. More than 100 delegates including Directors, Vety & A.H., Govt of Nagaland, Govt of Mizoram, Deputy General Manager, NABARD, Dimapur, Directors, Joint Directors, Regional Heads and Scientists of ICAR Institutes, high officials of College of Veterinary Sciences, AU, Khanapara, progressive Mithun farmers, Mithun entrepreneurs of NEH States attended the programme.
The note stated that the aim of the brain storming session is to bring awareness regarding scientific Mithun husbandry practices among the Mithun owners to rear Mithuns with increasing productivty give economic support to the Mithun rearers and also to conserve and enrich the ecosystem.
Dr. Chumbun Murry said in his inaugural speech that Mithun is intricately related to “Mithun rearers”. He further said that in recent years that although there is substantial increase in meat production in Nagaland, but 40% meat still has to come from outside Nagaland. He emphasized on scientific management and feeding practices for higher productivity of meat from Mithun since at present mithun rearers followed primitive system of management. He further said that the contribution of GDP from agriculture is 24% which is more than the national figure, however, lot much to be done in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry for increasing production, the note stated.
Also, B Thowang, Secretary, Vety and A.H. appreciated for organizing brain storming session regarding the increasing productivity in Mithun and said that Mithun is a state animal of Nagaland and observed that during last few decades Mithun rearing have been upgraded. He suggested that Mithun rearers should shift from conventional to commercial production of Mithun.
Dr. B. Prakash ADG (ANP), ICAR convey his greetings to all scientist of NRC on Mithun, Nagaland. He said that he has a dream to increase Mithun population in the country. He cited an example that Germany procured few animals from Canada and increased to significant numbers by folowing modern scientific technology. Similarly in Nagaland Mithun population can also be increased. He emphasized on genetic characterization of four types of Mituns available in the country. He further said that there should be strong linkage on NRC on Mithun with the State Vety & A. H. departments of NEH region.
Dr. N. Balaraman, former vice chancellor, Tamilnadu University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and RAC Chairman appreciated the ICAR and Nagalanad Govt for allround development of the Institute. He emphasized on conservation of habitat of Mithun for hgiher productivity. Dr. Linyu, Director, AH & Vety also spoke on the occasion.
The note mentioned that earlier director of NRC on Mithun, Dr. C. Rajkhowa in his welcome address said that Mithun is taken care by the nature and its act as the insurance for the family of Mithun farmers. He appreciated that Mtihun rearers for developing some strategies to support Mithun rearers who need financial help since to receive bank loan it is difficult due to certain formalities.
After the welcome address, souvenir of the session was released by Agriculture Minister Dr. Murry followed by instiute newsletter : "Mithun Digest" relaed by Dr. Towang, Secretary Vetry and AH, and few books on Mithun husbandry released by Dr. B. Prakash, ADG (ANP), ICAR, New Delhi.
The inaugural session was followed by a day long brainstorming and panel discussion on where scientists of the Institute and invited delegates presented on various aspects related to livestock in general and Mithun in particular. There were presentations from entrepreneurs engaged in Mithun husbandry from different parts of Mithun rearing states of NEH region.
The plenary session was concluded with various recommendations for reshaping the activities of the Institute as well as State Veterinary departments. There was also some very concrte suggestions for incorporation of these in XII Plan proposal of NRC on Mithun for improvement of Mithun husbandry in the country, the press note stated.
